Relay Missouri experiencing higher call volumes

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Relay Missouri is experiencing higher call volumes as well as calls that are longer in duration.

Relay Missouri is a telecommunications relay service providing full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired. 711 is the statewide telephone relay number that connects voice telephone users with deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-impaired individuals.

The average call time is normally two to three minutes, but the current average call time is five to eight minutes, according to the Missouri Public Service Commission.

Callers are being asked to stay on the line for the next available agent. They should not hang up and call back, as this will result in longer wait times.

Relay Missouri is currently provided by Sprint. The PSC oversees the administration of Relay Missouri, which was created through a 1990 Missouri law.